Manchester United completed one of the biggest turnarounds in the Premier League last season.
The club climbed from a disappointing 15th-place finish in 2024-25 to secure third place and Champions League qualification a year later.
United struggled for consistency during the first half of the campaign. Their League Cup exit against Grimsby Town only increased the pressure around Old Trafford.
However, the season changed completely after Michael Carrick took charge of the team, replacing Ruben Amorim.
The former midfielder transformed United’s fortunes after January and turned them into one of the strongest sides in the division.
Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo all played important roles during that resurgence. Carrick has continued that rebuild aggressively this summer.
Manchester United have already allowed Casemiro, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia to leave following the expiry of their contracts.
Rasmus Hojlund also completed a permanent £35.2 million move to Napoli after his obligation clause activated. Meanwhile, Andre Onana departed for another loan spell with Trabzonspor.
On the incoming front, United have already agreed a £35 million deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson and are waiting for the Brazilian to complete his medical after the World Cup.
The club are also pursuing further midfield reinforcements after missing out on both Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes this summer.
According to David Ornstein, Manchester United have agreed a deal Chelsea for Andrey Santos and are now edging closer to completing the signing of the Brazilian midfielder.
Chelsea were open to a sale provided United met their valuation. The London club had placed a £50 million asking price on the 22-year-old. United have now agreed to pay that amount.
The Red Devils will pay £48 million upfront and £2 million in easily achievable add-ons. More importantly, Chelsea will have included a 10% sell-on clause for Andrey Santos.
The midfielder made 43 appearances in all competitions last season but remained behind Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez in the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.
So, Michael Carrick has secured another important piece of his midfield rebuild before the new season begins.
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